Parity Profiles - DMP
At Parity Martial Arts, our coaches are more than just instructors - they’re mentors, competitors, fighters, and leaders who shape our community from the mat up.
Through this series, we’re giving you a closer look at the people behind the pads and gis. Learn what drives them, how they fight, how they coach and what makes them a part of the Parity family.
First up is first degree BJJ Black belt, David McKenzie-Phillips (DMP).
Insta: @the_gin_grappler
1. How did you get started in BJJ, and what made you fall in love with it?
I have always been involved in Martial Arts ever since I was a teenager and have enjoyed learning and teaching in many of the Arts over the decades. I initially came across BJJ and became interested in it when I used to watch UFC. At the time, I was teaching Traditional Ju Jitsu and one of my fellow instructors told me he had started training at a new local BJJ club. He had trained in BJJ in the past and had always raved about it to me and then a new local club opened up in Southampton, so I thought I would see what it is all about and go with him. At the time, I was also training in Judo plus Amateur MMA. So, the timing was perfect for me and right from the start it just seemed a perfect fit for me especially with my background and experience.
2. How would you describe your grappling style?
My style is top, tight and controlling with solid and fundamental grip controls. Positional dominance is always my bedrock. Being a shorter athlete I learned quickly that playing top was the way forward for me and over the years learned and evolved my top game. Since I got my BB though I am enjoying exploring all the new guards a lot more now that seem to be popping up all over the place. Top however is my thing.
3. What’s your coaching philosophy or what do you try to instill in your students?
Coaching philosophy for me is all about breaking down each move and technique right down to its core stages. In order to teach a move, especially to beginners they must have a clear understanding why and how a move works in order to apply it correctly and then to link it to other moves. I am a “details” guy and always to take great lengths to strip a technique right down to the “brass tacks” and make sure the students understand its working principles.
4. What’s one piece of advice you give to every beginner?
The one piece of advice I always give to a beginner is consistency in training and grasping and understanding of the core fundamentals of BJJ is a must. To grow in BJJ takes time and commitment with no big leaps of ability/understanding over night. I always tell new students BJJ is an ultra-Marathon and not a sprint with white belt being the toughest belt. No short cuts and get used to your ego and body being smashed as a regular thing. For a new white belt, nothing beats consistency. So, the more consistent people are with their training, the faster they will progress and develop. Just keep showing up and keep improving, it will happen organically.
5. What’s been a standout moment in your martial arts journey (either as a coach or athlete)?
My standout moment to date in my BJJ journey was receiving my Black Belt from the late great Jimmy Johnstone my friend and my coach, who is sadly no longer with us.
6. Who are your biggest influences or mentors in martial arts?
My biggest influencer’s/mentor in Martial Arts was Bruce Lee who inspired me in the 1980’s to go to a local dojo and better myself both physically and mentally and the rest is history!
7. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside the gym?
I used to have blonde hair when I lived in Malta as a child.
8. What do you enjoy most about coaching at Parity Martial Arts?
I enjoy the development process at white belt and watching how people become better and stronger human beings in this sport I love so much.
9. What’s your favorite technique, and why?
My favourite technique is the good old fashion choke/strangle. It is the ultimate force multiplier and an extremely potent attack especially in a “David and goliath” fight scenario!
10. How do you approach teaching students who are nervous about close contact/grappling?
If I see a student is nervous or perhaps looks a little awkward I always make a point of chatting with them right away and explaining to them we have all felt this way at the start. that’s the whole ‘bubble’ thing most people have, like when someone stands really close to you to talk. I explain to them It fades with familiarity. Not so much with the person, but with the activity. In other words, do it more and that feeling will fade. Also, I find humour breaks down a lot of barriers too and relaxes people. I always try to create a fun environment with good clean banter. BJJ should be fun and I try my best in all my classes to make it always an enjoyable experience, where my students feel comfortable and safe.